NEHL defeats MHL girls hockey all-stars

SALEM – The 2014 edition of the Division 1 Girls Hockey All-Star Game proved an instant classic, with the Northeastern Hockey League squad earning a last-minute 3-1 victory over its counterpart from the Middlesex Hockey League at Salem State?s Rockett Arena on Saturday evening.Medford?s Brittani Lanzilli, formerly of St. Mary?s, scored the go-ahead goal with just 1:51 remaining in the last of two 25-minute running periods.On the play, Lanzilli fielded a pass from Mustangs teammate Marissa Williams while skating left to right through the high slot before firing a shot across her body to the top left corner, beating Lexington?s Amanda Charlton (10 saves).?This game was made all the more special with Brittani scoring the game-winner in her final season,” said Winthrop/Lynn coach Anthony Martucci, who is close with the Lanzilli family. “That was a terrific shot and was a perfect ending to a great game.”The NEHL would tack on a late Kristen McCarthy (Beverly/Danvers) power play goal with two seconds to go. Panthers teammates Nicole Woods and Caitlin McBride combined to set up McCarthy for a goal at the left post.In what proved a defensive chess match, the NEHL grabbed a 1-0 lead after the first frame despite being outshot 8-6. Marblehead?s Brittany Smith scored unassisted after locating a loose puck under goalie Jenna Pantano at the 11:28 mark.At the other end, Winthrop/Lynn netminder Gretchen Howard proved impenetrable, turning away several great chances, including a kick save on a shot from defenseman Reid Nichols (Lexington) at the right point.A trio of Arlington teammates, Emily Liakos, Holly Russell and Bridget Kelly, were a constant threat in the early going, but Howard made stops on the former and latter to keep the MHL off the scoreboard.?Any time you put these respective leagues? best goalies in the net, there is a chance the score stays low,” explained Martucci, who coached in his third all-star game. “I thought both teams competed hard and hope everybody had a great time.”With Peabody?s Lauren Hennessey on in relief of Howard, the MHL found the equalizer early in period two.Just 2:35 into the action, Nichols found the far side on a wrist shot from above the left circle. Chloe Castellano (Wilmington) added an assist.Beverly/Danvers coach Brian Seabury, in attendance from a fan?s standpoint, thought the game, which was organized late in the season, was a great success.?I thought it worked out very well for both leagues,” said Seabury. “There was a great crowd and the game further promotes girls hockey. As coaches, we really appreciate Salem State for hosting this event.”